After directing another great Christmas Pageant at church with children of various ages and abilities, several big things popped out at me. Mary probably did wear rainbow-striped tights so long as they made them big enough for her belly. Joseph would have tried with all his might to provide the best care for Mary even if that meant holding hands with the donkey as they made their way to Bethlehem. Angels were probably dancing and skipping all around the shepherds intensifying their confusion and fear. And the Innkeeper would have given his room had he known who was staying in with his cows (even if his wife was a cranky old lady, a foot taller than him and with a formidable voice).
On the Inn and stable I focus these thoughts because I am currently experiencing housing issues. In the last week both of my roommates are moving or want to move out. Since there is no required lease, their departure could leave me with an empty inn and much lighter wallet. Joseph had a different problem as he tried to provide for his bride. No one had room. I’m sure he would have given a whole wad of bills for a space after such a long trip. But they were contented with a stable. The stable provided shelter away from wind and a bit of company, all be it bleating sheep. What Joseph did provide was a trust, comfort and bedside manner that allowed his new child and wife to rest as peacefully as if they were in a Hilton. In the end, this meager accommodation acted as the perfect backdrop for God’s major production of bringing his son into the world.
The parallels between Joseph’s story and mine are more like perpendiculars, but I think a lesson can be learned in both situations. We often focus on what we don’t have, the nice room, the money to pay for housing, and the roommates to make housing affordable. Instead, how can I look at this situation like Joseph and ask, “What can I do with ALL that I have?” I’m still wondering about my place. I’m sure roommates will show up and the house will again be filled with beautiful life. For now, I have a place where I can host others, have huge card games on the floor, and even provide space for those who need a quiet place. I also have an opportunity to reevaluate my “inn” situation and see if ALL that I have is being used in the best way. What I know from my incredible actors and Joseph is that ALL that we are and have is always more than all we don’t.
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